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This paper explores how single mothers both incorporate others into family life (e.g., when they ask others to care for their children) and simultaneously "do families" in a manner that holds out a vision of a "traditional" family structure. Drawing on research with White, rural single mothers, the author explores the manner in which these women both endorse their children's attachment to other caregivers and maintain boundaries around issues of discipline and attachment vis-a-vis these others. The author demonstrates that single mothers are willing to share this protected realm of family life with a new man (a fiance or cohabiting boyfriend) as they pursue the goal of what has been called the "Standard North American Family."

Analyzes the relationships between family day-care providers and the children in their care, based on questionnaire responses of the providers. Discusses ambiguities of distinguishing between feelings toward their own children and those children for whom they provide paid care. Explores effects of the context of care-giving and relations with parents. (JS)

Applies social exchange principles to the difficulties of setting up a stepfamily. Discusses obstacles to role adjustment and maintenance of equity among members. Concludes that if the reconstituting family can establish a basis of trust, the stepfamily can merge as a developmental unit toward expansion and commitment. (Author)

Comparative research on sperm donors and egg donors in the United States suggests that while men view themselves as fathers of their offspring, women do not view themselves as mothers. Comparative research suggests as well that men and women are equally interested in contact with offspring, equally curious about them, and equally likely to hold themselves responsible for those offspring. This paper re-examines these differences and similarities using data from a survey of donors who registered on a third-party website with hopes of having some contact with their genetic offspring. Our findings suggest that women and men offer similar reasons for donating and similar assessments of the experience. Yet, the two groups have developed quite different patterns of interest in their offspring. The men create a sense of “prideful lineage” rather than fatherhood. The women create a pattern of feeling that involves “concerned responsibility” rather than motherhood. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]